Newly drafted Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota hasn’t taken a real snap in the NFL yet, but the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner has brought a buzz and new hope to a fan base that has been largely forgotten. What we’ve seen so far during the OTA’s has brought back a statement that ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer said during the draft. “Mariota is not as NFL ready as Jameis Winston, but in a couple of years, he will be better”.
Titans’ Shawn Jefferson latest to rave about rookie Marcus Mariota – Paul Kuharsky ESPN
Compliments and positive reviews are pouring in forTitans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The latest comes from Tennessee’s receivers coach, Shawn Jefferson.
“He is deadly accurate,” Jefferson told ESPN.com. “I am just giddy about his future going forward …”
“He’s the real deal. A couple years ago I was back in Detroit and whenMatthew Stafford stepped into the huddle the first time, once I heard his voice and the way he called a play, I said, ‘OK, that’s a real one right there.’ Same way with this one. He’s real. He’s got the goods.
Tennessee Titans 2015 Profiles: Taylor Lewan – Joe Soriano NFL SpinZone
Tennessee Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan has much bigger things to worry about in the 2015 season than the questions of whether or not he likes Marcus Mariota as a quarterback, because he’ll be tasked with protecting the rookie QB’s blindside. The Titans didn’t reject a gaudy trade offer from the Philadelphia Eagles to sit the No. 2 overall pick in the draft on the bench behind Zach Mettenberger, even if the LSU product was much more impressive as a rookie than most sixth-round picks.
Titans bring back Fernando Velasco – Jimmy Morris Music City Miracles
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with center Fernando Velasco:
Velasco was with the Titans from 2008-2012 before being released right before training camp in 2013 (for no reason). He spent 2013 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and 2014 with the Carolina Panthers.
The Titans need Velasco right now because of injuries to Brian Schwenke and Andy Galik. Velasco was a really good player for the Titans in 2012 when he spent the majority of the year as the stating center. He is a versatile guy that can also play guard. He may not make this team, but he is a good guy to have in camp.
To make room for Velasco, the Titans placed Brandon Harris, who tore his ACL a couple of weeks ago, on IR.
Kendall Wright “definitely surprised” by drop in numbers last season – Josh Alper Pro Football Talk
Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright caught six touchdowns last season and averaged a yard more per catch than he did during the 2013 campaign, but that wasn’t enough to make him feel good about his production in 2014.
"Wright said that he was “definitely surprised” after seeing his catches, yards and targets drop sharply in his third year with the team. Wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson said that “it was indicative of our season,” which saw three different quarterbacks start games, but Wright wasn’t willing to blame lack of chemistry with quarterbacks for the downturn. He also won’t say if he thinks the change in schemes that accompanied head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s arrival had a negative impact."
Tennessee Titans Have Dynamic Duo at Inside Linebacker – Lucas Davis Pro Football Spot
The Tennessee Titans spent a lot of money on the defense in the offseason, but the addition of one player coming back from injury will be key for the team possibly having the best inside linebacker tandem in the AFC South division.
With OTA’s well underway, multiple reports have come in that state Titans inside linebacker Zach Brown has been very strong in his return to action thus far in the offseason programs. That is good news for Titans fans, because if he stays healthy this year, Brown and second-year player Avery Williamson could be a dominant force in Dick LeBeau’s defense.
Dick LeBeau proves to be Titans’ top recruiter – David Climer The Tennessean
When Dick LeBeau was hired by the Titans, his reputation preceded him.
He is the father of the zone blitz. He is acknowledged as one of the finest defensive minds in football. He is the youngest 77-year-old you’ll ever meet.
But one thing was overlooked: The guy can recruit.
Next: 2015 Fantasy Outlook: Tennessee Titans